Letters - Is this racism at play?
I read the article regarding the progress of minorities (page 26, 10 May) with a great deal of interest. I worked for a large firm for over ten years and was, for a while, involved in graduate recruitment.
I was surprised, and then disturbed, when I realised that minority – black, asian, chinese – candidates were more likely to be rejected. Obviously nobody mentioned colour, but one could tell almost by looking at the names on the list which candidates would be rejected.
When I pointed this out, the graduate recruitment officer told me this was not discrimination, rather it showed the interviewers had been properly trained and knew what it took to make a ‘good recruit’!
I doubt if the position is very different elsewhere. It’s hard to smash the ceiling (glass or other) when you’re not even allowed through the door.
Name and address supplied.